04
Sep
Many people think these two words are interchangeable, but they are not.
i.e. means that is, in other words, or more commonly, namely. The Latin term is id est.
e.g. means for example. The Latin term is exempli gratia.
The easiest way to remember this is to use the rule of association: i.e. means in other words, and [...]
14
Apr
Both of these words are correct and interchangeable. You can use either one because they mean the same thing, but many reference manuals state that attaching the [s] is used mostly in British English and without the [s] is preferred in American English.
Another tidbit about the word toward is its pronunciation. Toward is pronounced /tord [...]
18
Mar
At the beginning of many books, you will see an author has a dedicated page acknowledging those that help with their book.
What you might not know is that the preferred spelling in American English is without the medial “e” (just like in judgment and abridgment).
Keep that in mind next time you can’t decide [...]
10
Mar
Many people get confused by the terms yay, yeah, and yea.
The word yea is an archaic formal way of saying yes that was used mainly in voting. It’s the opposite of, and rhymes with, nay.
Examples:
All in favor of ordering pizza say, yea.
All opposed say, nay.
When writing the common casual version of yes the correct spelling [...]
25
Feb
Many of us aren’t sure when to use a hyphen at the beginning or ending of a word. Here are some common beginnings and endings that don’t usually need a hyphen.
Beginnings:
anti: The entire group was antiwar.
bi: The paychecks come out bimonthly.
co: Her book used many coauthors.
extra: The student’s extracurricular schedule is full.
inter: Those two words [...]
19
Feb
Although important in all communication, choosing the correct words are especially important in writing, where ideas and attitudes are expressed without the help of facial expressions, tone of voice, or gestures. You can enhance the power of your writing by following these guidelines:
Use the correct word
Beware of confusing words that sound alike and have related [...]
15
Feb
Always capitalize the first and last words both in titles and in subtitles and all other major words (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and some conjunctions).
Lowercase the articles: the, a, and an.
Lowercase prepositions, regardless of length, except when they are stressed (i.e., through in A River Runs Through It).
Or, when used as adverbs or adjectives:
up [...]
12
Feb
Both of these words are correct and interchangeable. You can use either one because they mean the same thing, but many reference manuals state that attaching the [s] is used mostly in British English and without the [s] is preferred in American English.
Another tidbit about the word toward is its pronunciation. Toward is pronounced /tord [...]
06
Feb
Like is probably the least-understood preposition. It’s used to compare one thing to another. It means similar to or for example.
Examples:
This flower looks like a daisy.
This tastes more like lemonade than iced tea.
You look like your father.
I’m good at water sports like skiing and sailing.
As and as if are conjunctions used before clauses. (Remember: a [...]
30
Nov
Happy Thanksgiving!
Did you know the word thankful [adjective] is an expressions of thanks. Of being grateful.
In the mid-1960s, the word thankfully [adverb] came into use in the sense “thank goodness; I am (or we are) thankful that….” Although this use of thankfully is now fairly common, it doesn’t represent the best usage.
Here are some examples [...]